Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Dividends on Common Stock (per share)	$ 0.475	$ 0.4625	$ 1.425	$ 1.3875
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)	21.5625	21.5625	64.6875	64.6875
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Distributions on Common Units (per unit)	0.475	0.4625	1.425	1.3875
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] | Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)	$ 21.5625	$ 21.5625	$ 64.6875	$ 64.6875